Seventeen, eighteen if you count the year I spent here. [ he frowns at her, though it lightens slightly. ] Believe me, I know better than to take on the whole universe myself. I'm not planning to, but I know that this is what I'm meant to do, so I can't just leave. I have to see this through.

[ there's a weary hiss from stellaluna at sheena's words, and he half-laughs, looking away. ] Uh... yeah. I know. I'll try not to be alone.